Leeds United Fan Culture Music: Essential Playlist

The Anthem That Starts It All: "Marching On Together"

You're walking up Elland Road Road, the floodlights cutting through the Yorkshire mist, and then it hits you—the first chords of "Marching On Together." This isn't just a song; it's the heartbeat of Leeds United. Written by Les Reed and Barry Mason in the early 1970s, it became the club's official anthem during the Don Revie era. The chorus—"We are Leeds, we are Leeds, we are Leeds"—is belted out by 36,000 voices before every kick-off. It's the sound of a city that refuses to be quiet, no matter the division. For a fresh fan, this is your starting point: learn the words, feel the weight of the terrace tradition.

"Glory, Glory Leeds United": The Revival Anthem

When Daniel Farke's side stormed to the Championship 2024/25 title, "Glory, Glory Leeds United" echoed from the stands. This tune, adapted from the "Battle Hymn of the Republic," has been a staple since the 1960s. It's shorter, punchier, and perfect for those moments when the team needs a lift. You'll hear it after a goal, during a tense spell, or when the away end wants to remind everyone who's boss. The lyrics are simple—"Glory, glory Leeds United, glory glory Leeds United"—but the volume is anything but.

The Terrace Chants: "We All Love Leeds"

Beyond the anthems, the matchday playlist is a living thing. "We All Love Leeds" is a call-and-response that unites the Kop. It's not about complexity; it's about commitment. You'll hear it when Dominic Calvert-Lewin slots one home or when Brenden Aaronson presses the life out of an opponent. The chants evolve with the season—sometimes referencing a player's form, sometimes taking a dig at rivals. In the 2025/26 Premier League campaign, as Leeds battles to stay up, these chants become a lifeline. They're not just noise; they're a statement of survival.

"Leeds, Leeds, Leeds": The Simple Roar

Sometimes, the most powerful music is the simplest. "Leeds, Leeds, Leeds" is a slow, deliberate chant that builds into a roar. It's used to intimidate, to celebrate, and to remind everyone that Elland Road is a fortress. During Farke's pressing system—where the team hunts in packs—this chant mirrors the intensity on the pitch. It's not a song you learn; it's a feeling you catch.

The Yorkshire Anthem: "Ilkley Moor Baht 'at"

Leeds United's fan culture is deeply rooted in Yorkshire identity. "Ilkley Moor Baht 'at" is a traditional folk song that gets an airing on special occasions—play-off finals, title deciders, or when the away end wants to remind the south of its heritage. It's a nod to the region's mining and industrial past, a reminder that this club belongs to a hard-working, proud community. For a glossary entry, it's essential: this is the sound of Yorkshire.

"We Are the Champions, Champions of Europe": The Revie Legacy

No Leeds playlist is complete without a nod to the Revie era. "We Are the Champions, Champions of Europe" is a defiant chant that references the 1975 European Cup final. Even though Leeds lost that night to Bayern Munich, the chant lives on as a symbol of ambition. It's a reminder of the heights the club has reached and the hunger to return. When the team runs out at Elland Road, you'll hear it—a bridge between past and present.

Modern Additions: "Allez, Allez, Allez"

In recent seasons, Leeds fans have adopted "Allez, Allez, Allez," a chant popularized across European football. It's simple, repetitive, and perfect for creating a wall of sound. You'll hear it after a dominant spell or when the team needs a final push. It's a sign that Leeds United's fan culture is alive, evolving, and borrowing the best from the continent.

The Player Chants: Calvert-Lewin, Nmecha, and Aaronson

Every player gets their own moment. For Dominic Calvert-Lewin, the terrace might adapt a classic tune to celebrate his aerial prowess. For Lukas Nmecha, it could be a chant that highlights his link-up play. Brenden Aaronson, known for his relentless energy, often gets a chant that mirrors his work rate. These aren't official songs; they're organic, born in the stands, and they change with form. In the 2025/26 season, as Anton Stach and Ilya Gruev anchor the midfield, expect new chants to emerge. The playlist is never static.

The Post-Match Tradition: "We Shall Not Be Moved"

After a win, the Kop stays. "We Shall Not Be Moved" is a hymn of defiance, a promise that Leeds United will never give up. It's a slow, powerful anthem that echoes out of the stadium and into the streets of Beeston. For a fan writing about this culture, it's the perfect closing note: this is a club that stands firm, no matter the odds.

What to Check Before You Sing Along

  • Matchday Variations: Some chants are reserved for specific moments—don't start "We Are the Champions" in a relegation battle; it feels off.
  • Respect the History: "Marching On Together" is sacred. Don't mock it or change the lyrics.
  • Learn the Rhythm: Leeds chants have a specific pace. Listen first, join later.
  • Know Your Opponent: Some chants are aimed at rivals; keep them in the stand, not online.
  • Check the Official Sources: For the full history of each song, visit the Leeds United website or fan forums. The club's official media often features playlists and stories behind the anthems.

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Marcus Walsh

Marcus Walsh

fan culture and community writer

Marcus Henshaw has been a season ticket holder at Elland Road for 20 years and writes about the fan experience, matchday atmosphere, and supporter-led initiatives. He covers chants, terrace traditions, and how the club engages with its local community in West Yorkshire.

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